Amyloidosis:
What is amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis is a rare and potentially fatal disease that occurs when substances known as amyloid proteins build up in the body's organs. Amyloid is an abnormal protein usually produced by cells in bone marrow that can be deposited in any tissue or organ. Amyloidosis frequently affects the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Amyloidosis can affect different organs in different people, and there are many types of amyloid.
The different types are defined by where the amyloid building blocks come from. The most common type of the disease, primary systemic amyloidosis, is a bone marrow disorder. Other types that come from the liver are considered familial, or inherited. In still other cases, amyloidosis may occur as a result of kidney disease in people who have undergone long-term dialysis therapy.
The exact cause of amyloidosis is unknown, and there's no cure for amyloidosis. However, medications and special diets can help manage the symptoms and limit the production of amyloid protein.
Causes of amyloidosis:
Primary amyloidosis: The cause of primary amyloidosis is unknown, but doctors do know that the disease begins in the patient’s bone marrow. In addition to producing red and white blood cells and platelets, bone marrow makes antibodies. After antibodies serve their function, the body breaks them down and recycles them. Amyloidosis occurs when cells in the bone marrow produce antibodies that can't be broken down. These antibodies then build up in the bloodstream. Ultimately, they leave the bloodstream and deposit themselves in tissues as amyloid, interfering with normal function.
Secondary amyloidosis: This form occurs in association with chronic infectious or inflammatory diseases, such as tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis or osteomyelitis, a bone infection. It primarily affects the kidneys, spleen, liver and lymph nodes, though other organs may be involved. Treatment of the underlying disease may help stop this form of amyloidosis.
Hereditary amyloidosis: This form of amyloidosis is inherited and often affects the nerves, heart and kidneys.
Symptoms of amyloidosis:
The signs and symptoms of amyloidosis greatly depend on the type of amyloidosis and the organs that are affected. While some patients are asymptomatic, others may develop a wide variety of symptoms, which may include:
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Diarrhea
- Numbness of hands or feet
- Swelling of ankles or legs
- Skin changes
- An enlarged tongue
- Shortness of breath
Treatment options:
Although there currently is no cure for amyloidosis, treatment may help manage symptoms and limit further production of amyloid protein. Managing amyloidosis is primarily done with medications and diet. Well-balanced nutrition is important to maintain energy.
Because amyloidosis can cause a number of complications, physicians may also suggest a special diet, which will be specific to the patient and based on his or her signs and symptoms and affected organs. In some cases, a doctor might prescribe medication for pain control.
If a patient has secondary amyloidosis, the primary goal of therapy is to treat the underlying condition, such as taking an anti-inflammatory medication for rheumatoid arthritis.
Related information:
- Functions of the bowel
- Amyloidosis Support Network
- American Gastroenterological Association
- American College of Gastroenterology
- More anal & rectal disorders
- More patient resources
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
